Welcome!

I know we are not out of the winter woods just yet but it certainly does feel like Spring now after all that snow. Frogs are vocal, birds are certainly active and there’s a lot of pleasant noise out there so get out of the house or office and enjoy it!

We are also in the final stages of putting together our Spring Birdathon which will be bigger and better in terms of prizes and rewards than last year. We really want to hit it out of the park this time around and it’s a lot of fun as those of you who participated last year will remember. It doesn’t take a lot of your time but the benefits are very important so start to think about your teams now and keep an eye peeled for upcoming details in the newsletter. stopping in Delaware Bay to feast on horseshoe crabs and replenish its energy reserves. It should be a fascinating evening so come on out!

Taking Action with Audubon At Home

By Cliff Fairweather, ASNV Naturalist

As the new ASNV naturalist, I'm thrilled to be part of an organization that takes habitat protection and restoration as seriously as ASNV does. I grew up in Northern Virginia and have witnessed the loss of local native habitat firsthand. Skunks and box turtles were occasional visitors to our yard at my childhood home in Alexandria and a small forest stood nearby.

That home still stands, but the last turtle or skunk appeared there decades ago and the forest is now houses. This is just a microcosm of what's been happening to natural habitat and biodiversity regionally.and globally. Not to start my series of columns in the Potomac Flier on a downer, but we've got to face facts. We're living in an era of dramatic, global habitat loss and consequent biodiversity decline.and human activities are the cause.

Continued impoverishment of biodiversity isn't inevitable, but we need to take action at all levels -- global to individual (that's you and me) -- to reverse it. Now the good news: we can do something about local biodiversity loss around our homes, schoolyards, places of worship, and businesses by restoring native habitat.

The Audubon At Home program can help you do your part by helping you create your own wildlife sanctuary. We've added an incentive this spring with the launch of our new Wildlife Sanctuary certification program. We'll certify properties that provide habitat for at least 10 specified "sanctuary species", including birds, insects, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Many of these can even be drawn to small spaces, including townhouse backyards. Certified sanctuaries can display an attractive sign designating their status.

We'll send a well-trained volunteer, an Audubon At Home Ambassador, to visit your property and provide you with guidance on how to make it a wildlife sanctuary. To learn how you can participate, call or email me (contact information below).

We're training new Audubon At Home Ambassadors and our recent orientation workshops attracted nearly 30 participants, over half of whom indicated that they wanted to become Ambassadors. This tremendous response means that we'll soon have more capacity to guide homeowners and certify wildlife sanctuaries.

Waterfowl Survey Results

Fifteen ASNV teams took to the field on January 23 and 24 to count waterfowl and other water-related birds. Under Larry Cartwright’s capable management, they surveyed sections of the Potomac River from Great Falls downstream to Quantico, as well as several inland lakes and ponds, such as Huntley Meadows and Burke Lake.

With just three years of data (the survey was switched from December to January in 2008), it is difficult to draw any conclusions, but there were some significant changes in the counts from last year to this. For example, the teams found far fewer Canada geese -- down from 14,935 in 2009 to 8,724 in 2010 -- and there were similar declines, proportionately, for mallards, common mergansers, and American black ducks. On the other hand, the counts for lesser scaup, ruddy ducks, and northern pintails increased significantly over last year’s count. Perhaps the most exciting find did not involve waterfowl at all; namely, king rails and Virginia rails overwintering at Huntley Meadows. King rails bred there last summer for the first time in 10 years, and Virginia rails made their first documented breeding attempt there, so it is a real treat to have them during the winter as well.

Look for full details of the count to appear on the ASNV website soon.

Winter Only Slowed Us Down Mother Nature and Old Man Winter collaborated to cancel and/or postpone most of our walks in February, but we persevered. The trip to Southern Maryland, led by Sean Duffy, produced most of its target birds -- snow bunting, brown-headed nuthatch, horned larks, American pipits, a barn owl, bald eagles, plus many sea and freshwater ducks. Kevin Munroe’s tour of Reston's lakes turned up wood ducks, American black ducks, ring-necked and ruddy ducks, common and hooded mergansers, plus Cooper’s, red-shouldered, and red-tailed hawks and a merlin. When the snow finally cleared from the paths at Riverbend, 14 people walked up and down river and found ring-necked ducks, common mergansers, American coots, buffleheads, a pair of wood ducks, bald eagles and hundreds of ring-billed gulls. Two V's of Canada geese, numbering at least 100 birds each, flew high over us, headed north.

Soon the woods will be filled with songbirds and wildflowers, so look over the list of upcoming walks and join ASNV as we enjoy the outdoors.

Runnymede Park, Herndon

Sunday, April 11, 7:30-10:30 AMRunnymede Park follows Sugarland Run and includes oak woods, pine and cedar woods and a large meadow. We’ll look for lingering winter birds and early spring migrants. The path will be muddy in places and has a rocky stretch. Wear appropriate footwear. Jay and Carol Hadlock will lead. For directions and additional information, click here.

Spring Wildflowers

Thursday, April 8 from 7 - 9:30 PM (classroom) Saturday, April 10 from 1:30 - 3:30 PM (field trip) Learn to identify some common spring wildflowers and plant families as well as the folklore associated with plants in this area. The field trip will be held at Riverbend Park, Fairfax County Park Authority's only riverfront park has over 400 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds. Riverbend's location along the Potomac River makes it a naturally unique and sensitive area with spectacular spring wildflowers.

Classroom location: Fairfax High School, 3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax, VA

Field trip location: Riverbend Park

Instructor: Marijke Gate has worked as a naturalist at Riverbend Park for 15 years. She has a Ph.D. in zoology and was previously a biology lecturer in southern Africa. However, spring wildflowers are her favorite topic.

Cost: $35 members; $40 non-members

Limit: 25

Plant Lore and Ethnobotany

Thursdays, April 22 and 29 from 7 - 9:30 PM (classroom dates) Saturday, May 1 from 10 AM - 2:30 PM (field trip) Ethnobotany is the study of how people use indigenous plants. Virginia's flora has a rich history of both real and imagined uses. This LEAPP workshop will familiarize participants in local floral legend, lore, and ethnobotany. The focus will be on native plants, but exotic species (and how some were used by people) will also be covered where appropriate. Plant identification, natural history, and animal associations and interactions will also be part of what is studied. The participants will also discuss the ethics and legality of collecting and the promise and danger of medicinal uses. The field trip will be to Thompson Wildlife Management Area in Linden, VA (see below for directions). Carpool arrangements will be discussed in class. The Thompson Wildlife Management Area one of the largest (millions!) great white trillium displays in the world! This area is resplendent with many (often rare) wildflowers and trees, including native orchids, which is why it is a wildflower registry site for the Virginia Native Plant Society. On the somewhat rocky 2-mile trail, we'll discuss plant folklore, ethnobotany, identification, and any other natural history we have a good chance to happen upon. Bring a bag lunch and water to eat on the trail.

Getting there: Go West on I-66 to the Linden/Front Royal exit. You turn left over the highway and then left again onto VA-55 (you'll see a large gas station straight ahead after the turn). Travel one and 1/2 miles to the hamlet of Linden and make another left onto Freezeland Rd. (county rd 638). About a mile later you bear right toward the Blue Mountain Estates. Go about 4 miles up the mountain to parking lot #6 which is near the fire tower (that has the best options for plants).

Instructor: Alonso Abugattas is both a Master Gardener and a Naturalist, as well as an instructor for both. He is currently the acting manager of Long Branch Nature Center in Arlington County and is a well known local naturalist and storyteller. He is a former officer for the Virginia Native Plant Society, including past president of the local Potowmack Chapter.

Cost: $50 members; $60 non-members

Limit: 25

Spring Warblers

May 4 and 11 from 7 to 9:30 PM (classroom dates) Saturday, May 15 at 7 AM (field trip) The Eastern United States is the best place in the world to see warblers, and 37 species are expected annually in Virginia alone! Warblers delight birders with their beautiful colors and cheerful songs, but they can also be frustrating to observe when they just won’t sit still or when a flock passes by in the fall with many species looking similar to one another. This workshop will focus on tips for identifying spring males and females, the grouping of warblers by genus, conservation issues related to warblers, and where to see warblers in the Northern Virginia area. Warblers of the Great Lakes Region and Eastern North America by Chris Earley is a recommended text. Great pictures, well written descriptions, and migration timetables are all included.

Classroom location: Fairfax High School, 3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax, VA

Field trip location: Huntley Meadows Park at the South Kings HWY/Telegraph Road entrance

Instructor: Nolan Britt teaches environmental science and biology at Bishop O’Connell High School. He has been an active participant in regional Christmas Bird Counts and hawk watches and serves as co-leader of the Northern Virginia Teen Bird Club.

Cost: $50 members; $60 non-members

Limit: 10

Audubon At Home and Beyond

Saturday, May 8 OR Saturday, May 22, 9 AM - 3 PM Carol Hadlock's backyard will be your classroom for this workshop, where you will learn to put the principles of Audubon at Home to work in your yard, creating a healthier environment for you, your family, and pets, while at the same time giving birds and pollinators a helping hand. Things should be popping in the garden, the birds will be singing, and outdoor activities will make this a fun, informative day. This workshop will be offered twice this spring on May 8 and May 22. Please specify which day you are enrolling in.

The Problem

The Virginia Department of Transportation has released a report concluding that building a 34-foot exit ramp and highway through Alexandria’s Winkler Preserve is the better of two options for creating access to the Pentagon’s new office tower at the Mark Center. The ramp and road would take 30 percent of the nature preserve through condemnation.

Why is this a bad proposal?

Winkler is a natural park in a densely-developed city. It is one of the largest forested parks in the city.

The preserve’s diverse habitats represent a unique resource to the public.

The proposal will diminish what is a naturally rich outdoor classroom and science lab for 12,000 students who have few comparable places to go in the city.

The 6-acre increase in nearby impervious surfaces will likely create more runoff and pollution in the preserve.

The Pentagon and VDOT should not overrule the wishes of the local government.

Northern Virginians should not have an ill-conceived transportation project forced on them by a misguided Department of Defense decision. We cannot make up for their wrongs.

About Winkler

Winkler Preserve is a 44-acre nature preserve between I-395 and Beauregard Street in western Alexandria. It has forests, meadows, walking trails and a pond. A former pig farm and dump site, it was donated by the Winkler family in 1979 and endowed as a nature preserve. Some trees are over 100 years old. Winkler has a rich biodiversity and is largely restored. Over 700,000 native plants have been planted.

Contact Others

Because this is a local, state and federal issue, contact your local, state and federal legislators. VDOT must hear from many people.

Conservation Counts

Join Jim Waggener in his ongoing wildlife surveys at two of Northern Virginia's best birding spots. Surveys are held every Wednesday, alternating between Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area on Mason Neck. Each survey is limited to four participants, and reservations are required. Call Jim at 703-567-3555 for more details or to reserve your space.

Getting there Take I-95 to Lorton exit 163. Turn left on Lorton Road, right on Rt. 1, and left on Gunston Road. About a mile past the elementary school you will see Meadowood’s horse pastures and signs on the right. Enter through the iron gateway, drive straight ahead and park by the stables.

Eakin Park Bird Walk

In addition to the usual winter birds (brown creepers, winter wrens, yellow-rumped warblers, white-throated sparrows, dark-eyed juncos) we’ve been seeing and enjoying the antics of a red-headed woodpecker, a species not seen at the park since 1992. The bird is quite handsome and vocal and has been busily caching food. As winter wears on there is an increasing possibility that we’ll hear or see our resident barred owls. Other raptors have been seen recently including sharp-shinned hawk, Cooper’s hawk, and red-shouldered hawk. The Cooper’s hawk was on the ground near the path and might have just tried to snatch breakfast. We never know what we’ll run into..

We meet every Monday morning (weather permitting) at the parking lot on Prosperity Ave. about half way between Routes 50 and 236 (Little River Turnpike). We begin at 7:30 a.m. Dec. through Feb. and 7:00 a.m. the rest of the year. No need to sign up. The walk generally goes for a couple of hours but can vary depending on how “birdy” it is and the weather. If you have any questions please contact the leader Carolyn Williams at 703-273-1961.

Fairfax Master Naturalist -- Purple Martins

The next chapter meeting of the Fairfax Master Naturalists will feature Nanette Mickle, who will talk about purple martins from her vast experience. The meeting, which is open to the public, is March 23rd at 7pm in the Lemon Road Elementary School library.

Are You Interested in Natural History?

The Education Committee of the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia coordinates ASNV’s workshops. If you have ideas for classes, would like to teach a workshop, know of good instructors, or would like to help in any way, we welcome your thoughts. We meet approximately 4 to 6 times a year. Please send your feedback to Kristy Liercke at kliercke@verizon.net or 703-255-3021. Thanks!

We need passionate volunteers across Virginia who can help us persuade our U. S. senators to support a strong climate change bill. If you would like to help us make a difference with climate change and other important issues, please contact Glenda Booth.

Audubon at Home needs you!

People-oriented volunteers are needed to help spread the word about the Audubon At Home Wildlife Sanctuary Program at community and regional events. We schedule the dates, provide all the materials, and brief you on our message -- you supply the enthusiasm! To volunteer or for more information, contact Cliff Fairweather at cliff@audubonva.org or 703-256-6895.

Coal Country

Join us for a free screening of Coal Country -- a film about modern coal mining -- Friday, April 16, 2010, 7 p.m., Aldersgate United Methodist Church, corner of Fort Hunt Road and Collingwood Road, Mount Vernon area of Fairfax County.

There’s a good chance that your electricity is generated at least in part by burning coal mined from Appalachia. How can people of faith be better stewards of the environment and address clean energy and climate change? Several Mount Vernon-area congregations will host a screening of the film, Coal Country.

Moran in Charge of Conservation Funding

Northern Virginia’s Eighth District Congressman Jim Moran, friend of ASNV, has become chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies. This subcommittee writes the annual appropriations bill that provides funds for national parks, refuges, wilderness areas, environment protection, Chesapeake Bay, climate change programs and other activities. Congressman Moran has been instrumental in securing funds for the Audubon at Home program. Congratulations, Congressman Moran!